Regulated the joint Russian-Ottoman governance of the Danubian Principalities after 1848, confirming their dual suzerainty until superseded by the 1856 Treaty of Paris.
Key Facts
- Signed
- 1 May 1849
- Parties
- Russian Empire and Ottoman Empire
- Hospodar term length
- 7 years, appointed by Sublime Porte
- Joint military presence until
- 1851
- Superseded by
- Treaty of Paris, 1856
- Prior statutory basis
- Regulamentul Organic, 1831–32
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Revolutions of 1848 destabilized the Danubian Principalities: Moldavia was placed under Russian occupation following a revolutionary attempt, while Wallachia briefly fell under a liberal Provisional Government before joint Ottoman-Russian intervention suppressed it, creating the need for a formal post-crisis settlement.
On 1 May 1849, Russia and the Ottoman Empire signed the Convention of Balta Liman, reaffirming Ottoman suzerainty and Russian protectorate over Moldavia and Wallachia. The agreement replaced lifetime elected hospodars with seven-year appointees named by the Sublime Porte, and authorized a continued joint military presence in the region until 1851.
The Convention led directly to the appointment of Barbu Dimitrie Ştirbei as hospodar of Wallachia and Grigore Alexandru Ghica as hospodar of Moldavia. The arrangement was nullified by the Crimean War, during which the Principalities passed under Austrian occupation, and the entire statutory framework was formally abolished by the 1856 Treaty of Paris.
Political Outcome
Confirmed joint Ottoman suzerainty and Russian protectorate over the Danubian Principalities; replaced elected lifetime hospodars with Porte-appointed seven-year terms.
Danubian Principalities in post-revolutionary instability under Russian occupation
Restored dual suzerainty with increased Ottoman influence over hospodar appointments